Live Reporting
- Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole: Enjoying the game!
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 4-0 Arsenal"Superb play from Fernando Torres, down the right wing. I thought he was going to have a shot but he did the right thing, playing it to Oscar. Every time Chelsea attack they look like they can score."Arsene Wenger's 1,000th game is officially a disaster. I said he should have brought Mathieu Flamini on to add to his defence but he's waiting until half-time. Look, though, at the man in the other dugout. If things are going very wrong for Jose Mourinho's team he will change it after just 20 minutes. He will do that."
- 13:28:GOAL - Derby 4-0 Nottingham Forest - Johnny Russell (54 mins)The boys in red are being tanked up and down the nation in the early kick-offs. Derby grab a fourth, and it's a belter too, Johnny Russell firing into the top bin from 25 yards.
- Get involved - BBC Sport page on FacebookOnofiok Akpan: Rubbish officiating in Premier League. How can Gibbs be the sacrificial lamb? Anyway I blame our failure specialist.Richie Haines: Wenger has lost the plot when it comes to the big teams, his tactics are awful and he just can't beat them. As for transfers don't get me started. He has been and was a brilliant manager but like the mouldy cheese at the back of the fridge he's past his best. I can't see us winning the league while he's still in charge.Pete Moore: Surely in the time it took to decide a penalty and send off the wrong man video technology would have sorted it all out faster?
- 13:26:GOAL - Chelsea 4-0 Arsenal - Oscar (42 mins)Roll on game 1,0001...Chelsea help themselves to a fourth as Fernando Torres gallops unchecked through the middle, outpacing Per Mertesacker easily before squaring forOscar to fire into the roof of the net.
- 13:24:Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalChelsea have scored three goals in the first half of a Premier League match under Jose Mourinho for the first time since their 3-0 home win against Portsmouth in January 2005. It is only the third time they have done so under Mourinho, after their 4-0 home win v Norwich in Dec 2004.Plenty of time to add to the tally too as Eden Hazard flashes a shot over the bar.
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 3-0 Arsenal"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is having one of those days today - constantly caught in possession and giving the ball away, and he should have been sent off. Nothing at all is going right for Arsenal, who look completely devoid of confidence."
- 13:20:Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalWhat's a par score for Chelsea from here? This could get really ugly for Arsenal yet. There's still almost an hour left...
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 3-0 Arsenal"You know what? Make a change now, Arsene, and get Mathieu Flamini on. This is a mess, a total and utter mess. This must be changed."
- 13:17:The wrong guy - Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalArsenal may get that card changed. In November, Preston of League One had the wrong man sent off against Port Vale - retrospectively, striker Joe Garner was suspended for three games despite midfielder Neil Kilkenny being shown the red card during the match.
- Get involved - #bbcfootballTokunbo: The ref's having a shocker...NikNak: Surely Arsenal can get the card overturned?Ireti Sanni: What a save by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain! Cracking save!
- 13:15:GREAT SAVE! - Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalAlmost a fourth! David Luiz, enjoying himself in midfield, rampages through the middle and fires in a low shot which Wojciech Szczesny tips around the post. A nightmare half-hour for Arsenal.
- 13:12:Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalConfusion reigns over the penalty incident. There was a long delay between the handball and the penalty being awarded, I first thought the linesman had given it but on a replay I've just seen he didn't put his flag across his chest.I can also tell you that Kieran Gibbs was standing next to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 3-0 Arsenal"I feel quite sorry or the referee, who didn't see it. But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was telling him it was him. Use a bit of common sense, surely? They were right to send someone off, it was right to give a penalty, but they just got the wrong man."
- Get involved - BBC Sport page on FacebookRiccardo El Paxo: It's going be a long long afternoon for Gooners! 3-0 down and a man down and only 15 minutes gone.Joseph Eleke: Arsene Wenger said he was ready for today's game while Chelsea are busy making mince meat of his team.Paul Blowers: This shows why we won't win the Premier League. When it comes down to we are light years behind the top sides.
- 13:09:Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalArsenal down and out of it away from home against a top-four rival. It's a story we have seen before.Manchester City took them apart 6-3 at the Etihad in December while Liverpool handed out a 5-1 hammering in February.This performance is going slightly better than Arsenal's display at Anfield. They fell 3-0 down a minute earlier on Merseyside and the hosts' fourth arrived on 20 minutes.Any consolation? I thought not.
- 13:08:SUBSTITUTION- Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalDamage limitation by ten past one. I've had a few all-dayers like this. Arsenal bring off Lukas Podolski, and send on Thomas Vermaelen.
- 13:05:Top of the chartsForget the Chemical Brothers [see 11:30], it's Chelsea who are top of the charts in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho's men will stretch their lead to seven points as it stands.
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 3-0 Arsenal"Surely! He must be sent off! He dived across, threw his arm out, and it would have been a great save... but did he actually touch it? Yes, he did, seeing it on the replay. I have no idea why Kieran Gibbs, or any of the Arsenal players, are complaining. Actually, it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who made the save but he's sent off Kieran Gibbs. He's dismissed the wrong man!"And this is a total nightmare right now for Arsenal. They're down to 10 men against a rampant Chelsea side. Questions will be asked of Wenger, despite his 1,000 games - why is Flamini not playing. Arsenal are a shambles here."
- 13:03:Chelsea 3-0 ArsenalExtraordinary. The camera picks out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain telling referee Andre Marriner 'It was me! It was me!'No dice Ox son, Gibbs has been sent-off.
- 13:01:GOAL- Chelsea 3-0 Arsenal - Eden Hazard (Pen 17 mins)Game over? You'd think so. Eden Hazard clips the penalty down the middle and Chelsea fans behind the goal are in dreamland.Surely someone could have told referee Andre Marriner that he was sending the wrong man off though?
- 13:00:RED CARD- Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal - Kieran GibbsThe shot was going wide but referee Andre Marriner has shown a red card - to the wrong player! Kieran Gibbs goes off, it should be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain...
- 12:59:PENALTY TO CHELSEA- Chelsea 2-0 ArsenalAnother flowing move from Chelsea, Fernando Torres pulls it back for Eden Hazard, and his shot is turned away by the hand of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain!
- 12:58:Chelsea 2-0 ArsenalChelsea have had 33% of possession so far, have had two shots, and lead 2-0. Arsenal look so fragile at the back.
- Get involved- #bbcfootballPajero92: Happy 1,000th game, Wenger...Hashim Albahbahani: What a start! Absolutely lethal finishing from Chelsea. Arsenal are stunned.Jay C: Men v boys again in this fixture...
- 12:56:Chelsea 2-0 ArsenalThe good news, Arsenal fans, is that the last five Premier League wins the Gunners have enjoyed at Stamford Bridge have all seen them come from behind to win.The bad news is Chelsea look like adding to their total every time they get on the ball.
- 12:55:SUBSTITUTION- Chelsea 2-0 ArsenalA very early change for Chelsea then, as the crocked Samuel Eto'o is replaced by Fernando Torres.
- 12:55:GOAL- Derby 3-0 Nottingham Forest - Jeff Hendrick (37 mins)With Nottingham Forest throwing men forward in search of a way back into the game, Derby counter clinically to surely kill the game off.Patrick Bamford spins to run at an under-manned visiting defence before playing in Jeff Hendrick who fixes the keeper before sliding home a finish.
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea 2-0 Arsenal"Both teams have had chances at the very start of this game, but it was a great break by Chelsea for the first goal. Absolute lightening, and Samuel Eto'o stayed onside and curled it into the far corner. Eto'o used to be the best striker in the world, and there aren't many who can finish like that. And he can do it with either foot."Chelsea are closing down so well in midfield, but Andre Schurrle still had a lot to do for his goal and Chelsea's second. But his shot went through the legs of Laurent Koscielny. When it goes through a defender's legs it usually ends up in the back of the net."
- 12:53:Chelsea 2-0 ArsenalExtraordinary start at Stamford Bridge. Samuel Eto'o's day may be over already, looks like he's pinged a hamstring. Arsene Wenger has his feet up in the dugout, arms crossed.A comeback now and his 1,000th game will truly be one to remember.
- 12:51:GOAL- Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal - Andre Schurrle (7 mins)Good grief! What a start for Chelsea, what a nightmare for Arsene Wenger!Again Arsenal are caught on the break, they have no cover in midfield at all, and Andre Schurrle picks his spot from 20 yards, popping a low shot into the far corner!Come back Alex Song...
- 12:49:GOAL- Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal - Samuel Eto'o (5 mins)And Chelsea hurt Arsenal on the counter! Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'osuddenly have a two-on-two break, Arsenal's midfield going totally missing, and they profit, Eto'o cutting inside last man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before bending in a brilliant finish. Lovely stuff from the striker, but Arsene Wenger will be livid at his side's lack of shape.
- 12:49:GREAT SAVE!- Chelsea 0-0 ArsenalBig chance for Arsenal! Olivier Giroud is played in on goal by Tomas Rosicky and Petr Cech does well to claw out his low shot. Chelsea then counter...
- 12:47:GOAL- Derby 2-0 Nottingham Forest - Craig Bryson (32 mins)The old late run into the box, it will get you every time! Derby double their lead and midfielder Craig Bryson doubles his tally, timing his arrive to perfection to smash home Chris Martin's cut-back from the right.
- 12:46:Chelsea 0-0 ArsenalArsenal make a bright start, winning the ball back easily in midfield on two occasions and pinging some trademark passing moves together. Olivier Giroud eventually presses the shoot button but can only hammer a shot into the calves of a team-mate.
- 12:45:KICK-OFF- Chelsea 0-0 ArsenalUp and running.
- 12:44:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Jose Mourinho waits for Arsene Wenger to emerge from the tunnel and offers him a warm, professional handshake. Let's get the party started...
- Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos: Congratulations to the boss, the man that gave me my chance, on such an amazing achievement. #Wenger1000
- Get involved- BBC Sport page on FacebookAndy Hibberd: 1,000 games is a great achievement, but please, no more talk of the Invincibles - Pires' dive for a penalty against Portsmouth was one of the worst acts of cheating I've ever seen.Apt Koh: It will be a total humiliation for Wenger. We have Mourinho, Hazard and the best defence in Premier League.David Anthony Midgley: I think Arsenal will win this - the players' motivation will be sky high.
- 12:39:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Lukas Podolski has a laugh and a joke with referee Andre Marriner as the players converge in the tunnel. Arsene Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal is about to get under way. Will it be a 573rd win?
- Mark Lawrenson, on Football FocusChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"It's an absolutely fantastic achievement (to reach 1,000 games as manager), it's not just what Arsene Wenger has just done on the pitch but also off the pitch. Moving to a new ground, a new training ground and the way he educates his players. Every former player only has nice things to say about for Arsene - they say he helped shape their careers."When Arsene Wenger finally steps down he will be regarded as the best Arsenal manager ever."
- Get involved- #bbcfootballRichard Powell: I can't stand the player now, but the signing of a young Nicolas Anelka was a Wenger masterstroke.Conor Ruth: Looking forward to seeing David Luiz in midfield. He could form a good midfield partnership with Matic for Chelsea...Chad Smith: Is it all going to be about Wenger, or will you actually discuss some other football sides and managers?
- Mike Ingham, chief football correspondent for BBC Radio 5 liveChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"I would personally like to thank Arsene Wenger for enriching our footballing lives in this country. And one of his legacies at Arsenal is of course the stadium. And he has been incredibly dignified in the media - I have only ever seen him angry once."His 18 years at Arsenal are split into two - nine years with trophies and nine years without. But managing that move from Highbury to the Emirates, and then to get the club into the Champions League every season, is a really great achievement."
- 12:32:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)In contrast to the typically stormy weather engulfing Dan Walker at the Etihad, and ourselves a few miles away on Salford Quays, it looks like a crackerjack of an afternoon at Stamford Bridge.The sun is out, a managerial landmark is on and the Premier League leaders are playing third. Kick-off is 10 minutes away now...
- Get involved- #bbcfootballOwen Collins: How can Arsenal fans still justify Wenger because the 03/04 season? You can't keep a manager based on what he did a decade ago.Jawaad Qayum: Let's give Wenger a 1,000th game he'd want to forget about...Ibrahim Sani: When Wenger took charge, I was a schoolboy who just got my first Chelsea kit from my uncle. Today my three kids got them from me.Big day for both you and them, Ibrahim. Must've cost you a pretty penny, mind...
- 12:28:BBC Radio 5 live5 live coverageThree of the top four are in action on BBC Radio 5 live today with coverage ofChelsea v Arsenal at 12:45 GMT followed by Liverpool's trip to south Wales to face Cardiff in 15:00 GMT.John Murray, Mike Ingham and Pet Nevin are your men on the mic at Stamford Bridge with Ian Dennis and Steve Claridge doing the honours at the Cardiff City Stadium.
- 12:27:It started with charades- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has been telling the story this week of quite why, and how, he persuaded the Arsenal board to vote Arsene in 1996."I thought 'This guy's something special, he's a bit different'," said Dein."Just then it was like a flash of lightning, I sort of saw in the sky: 'Arsene for Arsenal, it's destiny, one day he will be our manager'."And you thought picking a manager was a long, arduous task eh? Bit of a board game and a funny name and you're in...
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"Selling Nemanja Matic was an error, because bringing him back has solved a problem that Chelsea have had for quite a while. But the biggest Chelsea selling mistake? Daniel Sturridge. If he was playing up front on his own he'd be scoring goals and no-one could stop Chelsea this season."He left because of the politics at this club, because Fernando Torres had been bought and was expected to do well. I don't blame Sturridge for leaving - he should have been given more chances up front rather than on the wing."
- 12:26:Wenger v Mourinho- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Arsenal have failed to score in their two games against Chelsea this season (0-0 in the Premier League and 0-2 in the Capital One Cup, both at the Emirates Stadium).As we know, Arsene Wenger has not beaten a side managed by Jose Mourinho in 10 attempts but Arsenal do have the best away record in the Premier League this season, picking up 29 points on the road.
- Mark Lawrenson, on Football FocusChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"You always feel with Chelsea against the top teams there is a definite plan. When they go away from home the plan is to get at least a point and then at home Jose Mourinho backs his team to win the game."
- Get involved- #bbcfootballLucy McKie: Lets hope Wenger's 1,000th game is a win!Sammy Atoe: Best signing? Non-negotiable. King Henry stands out. For the worst, however... not so sure. But names like Sylvestre and Squillaci come to mindRichard Knight: Best signing has to be Bergkamp! Worst? A certain Andre Santos...Dennis Bergkamp was actually signed by Bruce Rioch.
- 12:21:GOAL- Derby 1-0 Nottingham Forest - Craig Bryson (6 mins)Penalty-box pinball wizardry! Forest have three or four opportunities to clear their lines but can't get the ball away, Derby midfielder Craig Brysoneventually picks up the loose change and scrambles in a low shot via a huge deflection. Scruffy as they come, but Steve McClaren's men don't care...
- Get involved- BBC Sport page on FacebookMark Peter Ullyott: Win, lose or draw, Wenger's been fantastic for Arsenal over the 1,000 games. What he's done on a budget has been fantastic, and he's still the only manager to go unbeaten for a full season.Mick Parr: Wenger, whatever the result, has at least been loyal to Arsenal. Mourinho just jumps from successful team to successful team - anyone can win trophies if they pick the best sides to manage.Lokesh Sankar Rath: It will be very difficult for Arsenal to beat Chelsea. To be very honest he has to play counter attack to beat Chelsea which is not his basics. I am going for an easy Mourinho win.
- Pat Nevin, at Stamford Bridge for 5 live SportChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"I was surprised that against Tottenham last week, Arsenal were much more defensive then I expected them to be. But a draw will not be good enough for them today, so I don't expect them to be like that again. And I'm not surprised at all by Chelsea's selection - as always they're a very powerful unit."
- 12:15:KICK-OFF- Derby 0-0 Nottingham ForestAfter the Derby mascot does his best Usain Bolt impression we are under way in a highly-charged east midlands derby at Pride Park...
- Arsenal tweet: Two Arsenal legends pitchside at Stamford Bridge...
- Get involved- Text us on 81111James in Surrey: Why isn't Frank Lampard starting? He's a proven big-game player.Simon from Gloucester: I've nothing but admiration for Arsene Wenger. With managers sacked after a handful of games, 1,000 games is amazing.Rob: 49, 49 undefeated 49, 49 I say 49, 49 undefeated. Playing football the Arsenal way. Come on lads, give Wenger that win at the Bridge. 1,000 games and counting...
- 12:11:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)The sun is out in west London as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leads the Arsenal players out to warm-up. Chamberlain has been in fine form in recent weeks - his fluffed finish at Spurs aside - and could be playing his way into Roy Hodgson's starting XI against Italy in Manaus.Another good showing today would boost those chances.
- Steve Wilson, BBC Match of the Day commentator at Stamford BridgeChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)"A thousand games; no mean achievement for Arsene Wenger. Whether Wenger would choose to reach such a landmark at Chelsea is debatable."So often on the subject of Wenger, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is ungracious and even plain bitchy - variously describing the Frenchman as a 'voyeur' and a 'specialist in failure'. Neither was true, neither becoming of the Portuguese."Wenger has failed to win any of his 10 previous meetings with Mourinho. An end to that run would have huge implications for the title race; suddenly it would be Chelsea fading and Arsenal surging."
- 12:08:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on BT Sport: "I don't care about the [home] record, I just care about points and good performances and to make our fans happy. That's our objective. Arsenal are one of the top teams in the country so when two of these teams play each other it's normal to have expectation."I've not a rivalry with other managers so, for me, it's just another match. Obviously, after what happened last Saturday [loss to Aston Villa] this match is more difficult for us. For some reason we lost three points, for some reason we lost two players to red cards."I think it's very difficult in modern football [to manage 1,000 games with one club]. We've had that in this country with Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger. You need to be lucky to find a club with this kind of philosophy, especially in the modern game when the results aren't there. It's a fantastic achievement and I praise the manager."
- Get involved- #bbcfootballLiam Norman: For me, it's between Petit and Viera for Wenger's best signing. Those two set the tone for the consistent success of 97-2005.Deano Bowers: Francis Jeffers has to be Wenger's worst signing, and to make it even worse I got his name on the back of my shirt one year!Charles Cohen: Got to be Sebastien Squillaci and Park Chu-Young for his worst buys - they were not up to the pace and hardly ever played.
- 12:04:You're sweet enough- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Apparently one of Arsene Wenger's first rules at Arsenal's training ground was the banning of chocolate and the axing of jars of jelly babies and cola bottles that used to be on a table in the dressing-room.A champions' diet that lads...
- 12:02:LINE-UPS- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Matic, Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard, Eto'o. Subs: Lampard, Torres, Mikel, Salah, Ba, Schwarzer, Kalas.Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud. Subs: Vermaelen, Flamini, Fabianski, Sanogo, Jenkinson, Kallstrom, Gnabry.Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
- 12:01:Football FocusLive nowFootball Focus is go. Tune in on BBC One and on the top of this page.
- 12:00:Is this the end of the drought?- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Arsene Wenger has won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups for Arsenal, and qualified for the Champions League in 16 consecutive seasons.However, his last silverware came in the 2005 FA Cup and he has been widely criticised for not adding to his 11 domestic titles in the last nine years.His side go into today's game four points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, and there is an FA Cup semi-final against Wigan on the horizon too.Can Wenger deliver a trophy at last this year?
- Former Arsenal striker John Hartson"Congratulations to Arsene Wenger on his 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal. Privileged to have played in his very first one!!"
- 11:58:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "It's a massive game for us and we just want to focus on the game, as I did on the 999 before. What you learn with experience is that you suffer when you don't prepare well so I have enough experience now to focus on what's important. The most important thing is to feel that everybody on board wants to do well. What's interesting for us as managers is to have that energy and that everybody is focused and ready to fight for each other. You have to accept the next 1,000 will be much more difficult."We have to go for it and take care of the breaks of Chelsea. That's where the game will be, we must go freely forward, try to score goals, and not be exposed so much."
- 11:55:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been among Arsene Wenger's leading critics and the pair meet today for the first time since the Portuguese called him "a specialist in failure" earlier this season."I admire him and admire Arsenal," Mourinho said on Friday."It is not possible to have 1,000 matches unless the club is also a fantastic club in the way they support their manager, especially in the bad moments - and especially when the bad moments were quite a lot."Mourinho has not lost against a Wenger team in 10 attempts, but the Chelsea manager played down that statistic ahead of Saturday's encounter."It doesn't matter," he said. "It's not against him. It's Chelsea against Arsenal. I didn't play Arsenal with Inter, Madrid or Porto; just Chelsea."It's Arsenal v Chelsea, not me against him. Records don't play any role - a match is a match. It's not coach against coach, it's team against team."
- Get involved- #bbcfootballJamie Atkins: For the sake of the title race and excitement, Arsenal have to win today...Matt Price: Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry were Wenger's best buys - two outstanding players and just look at Henry in the Invincibles season. Electrifying.Fahad Khan: His best signing has to be Cesc Fabregas. Brought him in as a Barca reject, gave him up as a world-class player.
- 11:53:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)January signing Kim Kallstrom is on the bench for Arsenal for the first time, as Arsene Wenger names an unchanged Arsenal side from the team which beat Spurs.David Luiz is in midfield for Chelsea, with Samuel Eto'o up front. Ramires and Willian are suspended after their red cards at Villa Park last weekend.Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, David Luiz; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'oArsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud
- 11:51:BBC Radio 5 liveChelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Peter Reid, who was Sunderland manager when Arsene Wenger first came to England, on 5 live Drive: "I had my ups and downs with Arsene on the sidelines. He is a gentleman, but behind that facade is a winner. You don't stay in the game and manage a club like Arsenal over these number of years without success. You have to have a drive about you. To get to a 1,000 games with that club is an absolutely amazing achievement."The bottom line though, for Arsene Wenger, is that he does have to start winning things again. They've got a great chance this year - they're still in the Premier League title race and they're the favourites in the FA Cup."
- Dan Walker, Football Focus host"Right then. Football Focus live from Man City today from 12 o'clock on BBC One. Loads to fit in and plenty to talk about."
- 11:47:Football FocusFootball Focus is coming live from the Etihad Stadium today from noon.Presenter Dan Walker and guests Stuart Pearce and Mark Lawrenson will be looking back over Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's reign with help from current Gunners keystone Per Mertesacker, as well as chatting with former Arsenal captain and current City elite development coach Patrick Vieira.It is on BBC One and online at the top of this page for your viewing pleasure.
- 11:42:Today's gamesBut it's not all about Arsene Wenger's anniversary today. Sixteen sides are in action this afternoon, from top to bottom, with Merseyside doing battle with Wales. Here's the full line-up of today's Premier League games:
- Get involved- #bbcfootballArsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner: Big game today. Red army - Come on you Gunners!
- Get InvolvedOne thousand games, 572 wins, 1,845 goals and many, many, many signings for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.From Remi Garde to Yaya Sanogo; Francis Jeffers to Thierry Henry; Robert Pires to Richard Wright.As with any manager it's been a hit and miss affair - but who are the best and the worst signings made by Wenger over the last 18 years?We want names. Fire away on text to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at#bbcfootball and drop us a line on Facebook.Over to you...
- 11:37:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)When Bruce Rioch left Arsenal at the start of the 1996-97 season Johan Cruyff and Terry Venables were favourites to take charge at Highbury.Instead the Gunners plumped for a maverick move, taking Arsene Wenger from Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight.It's hard to recall how big a step that was at the time - this was a Premier League of Ron Atkinson, Jim Smith and Roy Evans. Arsenal captain Tony Adams would later admit: "At first, I thought, what does this Frenchman know about football? He wears glasses and looks more like a schoolteacher."He's not going to be as good as George Graham. Does he even speak English properly?"Winning the double in his first full season in charge was a good start...
- 11:34:Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Since Arsene Wenger's appointment on 30 September, 1996, 153 managers, caretakers or management teams have taken charge of Premier League clubs and 18 years on, the average stay of a top-flight boss stands at 1.86 seasons.The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson last May left Wenger as English football's longest-serving manager and, of the 19 others in the Premier League when he arrived, only Harry Redknapp remains a club boss.The footballing world really is a very different place. Today is the day we pay tribute to Arsenal's pioneering boss...
- 11:30:'Arsene who?'- Chelsea v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)Saturday, 12 October 1996.'Setting Sun' by the Chemical Brothers was top of the charts; Eddie Murphy was thrilling the nation's cinema goers in 'The Nutty Professor' and the Spice Girls had yet to release their debut album. A dark day in the media world.More importantly on that sunny Saturday, Arsene Wenger took charge of his first game as Arsenal boss, with a side containing John Hartson, Ian Wright, Steve Bould and Paul Merson beating Blackburn 2-0. Wrighty bagging a brace.Few would have imagined that nearly 18 years on the bespectacled Frenchman would still be in charge, Arsenal would have left Highbury behind and Eddie Murphy would never make a good film again.He hasn't though - and Wenger will be at the helm of the Gunners this afternoon for the thousandth time. A remarkable effort.Can he cap it with a win at Stamford Bridge?
